Abstract: A device for delivering light to a nasal cavity is provided. The device has a base at a proximal end of the device. The base has a first end that is the proximal end and a second end opposite the first end. The device also has a sleeve operably connected to the base at the second end, an endpiece connected to the sleeve at a joint, a tapered tip for insertion into the nasal cavity, a light source disposed inside the tapered tip, and a power source to supply power to the device. The endpiece moves in the sleeve during pivoting movement about the joint. The angle between the sleeve and the endpiece is changeable from 0° to 40°.

Abstract: A device for delivering light to a nasal cavity is provided. The device has a base at a proximal end of the device. The base has a first end that is the proximal end and a second end opposite the first end. The device also has a sleeve operably connected to the base at the second end, an endpiece connected to the sleeve at a joint, a tapered tip for insertion into the nasal cavity, a light source disposed inside the tapered tip, and a power source to supply power to the device. The endpiece moves in the sleeve during pivoting movement about the joint. The angle between the sleeve and the endpiece is changeable from 0° to 40°.

Abstract: A device for delivering light to a nasal cavity includes a base; an adjustable portion operably connected to the base. The adjustable portion permits ready manipulation of the device when in the nasal cavity. The adjustable portion includes a tapered tip for insertion into the nasal cavity; a light source disposed inside of the tapered tip; and a power source to supply power to the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial hay fever), by application of flash lamp radiation. The nasal cavity can be illuminated in a safe and effective manner, with non-coherent light from a flash-lamp or other suitable source. This illumination can be accomplished in any suitable manner, including by use of a handheld device. Such handheld embodiments may contain a power source (battery or AC), control circuitry, light source (flash-lamp or diode laser), lens (focusing or non-focusing), light filter, and/or fiber-optic for delivering light to the nasal cavity. Embodiments include using any suitable light energy, such as visible light in the red wavelengths with a power output of 1 to 10 Joules per cm2. The device can be pre-programmed to deliver a specified amount of light in a specified amount of time using multiple pulses (in the case of a flash lamp) or a continuous wave (in the case of a diode laser).

Abstract: A device for delivering light to a nasal cavity includes a base; an adjustable portion operably connected to the base. The adjustable portion permits ready manipulation of the device when in the nasal cavity. The adjustable portion includes a tapered tip for insertion into the nasal cavity; a light source disposed inside of the tapered tip; and a power source to supply power to the device.

Abstract: A disposable erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement instrument comprising a sedimentation measurement tube having a plunger portion, a blood collection tube having an upper portion, and an integrated locking mechanism provided between the blood collection tube and the sedimentation measurement tube. The locking mechanism permits the blood collection tube to be plunged into the blood collection tube upon rotating the sedimentation tube and the blood collection tube relative to each other, and thereafter pushing the sedimentation measurement tube into the blood collection tube. In a pre-evacuated embodiment of the present invention, the blood collection is pre-evacuated to withdraw a predetermined amount of blood during blood collection operations.

Abstract: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement instrument having a Blood Collection Configuration and an ESR Measurement Configuration. The ESR measurement instrument comprises a sedimentation measurement tube having an hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of blood sample diluting agent therewithin and being air/fluid sealed with respect to the ambient environment; and a blood collection tube having a hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of anti-coagulant and being vacuum-sealed with respect to the ambient environment, and physically coupled to the air-sealed sedimentation measurement tube, by at least a portion of the sedimentation measurement tube being inserted within a portion of the hollow interior volume of the blood collection tube.

Abstract: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement instrument having a Blood Collection Configuration and an ESR Measurement Configuration. The ESR measurement instrument comprises a sedimentation measurement tube having an hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of blood sample diluting agent therewithin and being air/fluid sealed with respect to the ambient environment; and a blood collection tube having a hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of anti-coagulant and being vacuum-sealed with respect to the ambient environment, and physically coupled to the air-sealed sedimentation measurement tube, by at least a portion of the sedimentation measurement tube being inserted within a portion of the hollow interior volume of the blood collection tube.

Abstract: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement instrument having a Blood Collection Configuration and an ESR Measurement Configuration. The ESR measurement instrument includes a sedimentation measurement tube having an hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of blood sample diluting agent therewithin and being air/fluid sealed with respect to the ambient environment; and a blood collection tube having a hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of anti-coagulant and being vacuum-sealed with respect to the ambient environment, and physically coupled to the air-sealed sedimentation measurement tube, by at least a portion of the sedimentation measurement tube being inserted within a portion of the hollow interior volume of the blood collection tube.

Abstract: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement instrument having a Blood Collection Configuration and an ESR Measurement Configuration. The ESR measurement instrument comprises a sedimentation measurement tube having an hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of blood sample diluting agent therewithin and being air/fluid sealed with respect to the ambient environment; and a blood collection tube having a hollow interior volume containing a predetermined quantity of anti-coagulant and being vacuum-sealed with respect to the ambient environment, and physically coupled to the air-sealed sedimentation measurement tube, by at least a portion of the sedimentation measurement tube being inserted within a portion of the hollow interior volume of the blood collection tube.